LIMITS Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

limits 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of limit

as in restricts

to set bounds or an upper limit for limit the note to a few words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in defines

to mark the limits of adjectives limit the meanings of nouns

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limits

2 of 2

noun

plural of limit

as in limitations

a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go there was no limit to the number of challenges they faced

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as in heights

the most extreme or advanced point those bratty kids have pushed my patience to the limit

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of limits

Verb

For its part, Zapier limits you to just 100 tasks (actions and triggers) per month for free, which is far more punishing. — Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026 This week’s decision has no impact on the out-of-pocket cap that limits the amount that older adults with standalone Medicare drug coverage spend on their prescription drugs over the course of a year. — Ali Swenson, Fortune, 31 July 2026 This helps reduce the number of defects, limits the movement of halide ions, and prevents the material from separating into different phases under sunlight. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026 Authorities have not identified a single cause for the sudden surge, though Ceuta officials have pointed to a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling that limits the immediate return of migrants who arrive by sea without due process. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026 Waiting until your return is being prepared usually limits your options to reporting what already occurred rather than changing the outcome. — D. Scott Kenik, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 The case was based on a Massachusetts law that limits vehicle idling to no more than five minutes. — Richard Marcantonio, The Conversation, 31 July 2026 Those came on the back of the two English clubs breaching the governing body’s football earnings rule, which limits the size of financial loss clubs can record, after deductions for ‘good’ expenditure on infrastructure, youth teams and the like. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026 The order also limits the use of administrative segregation — commonly referred to as solitary confinement — to documented security concerns or situations in which detainees request separation themselves. — Mckenna Mobley, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Noun

The models serve different performance levels, so a direct comparison has limits. — Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Lifeguards advise people to stay out of the water unless they are experienced and know their limits. — Michele Gile, CBS News, 31 July 2026 But now that this system is reaching its limits, the regime is preparing to switch back to conscription—this time relying on electronic draft notices that are quieter and can be sent out year-round to thousands of potential conscripts. — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026 The offensive players wear red, the defense is in white and anyone in yellow is off-limits to being touched. — Pete Grathoff july 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026 The new pumping limits and fees are going into effect this year. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 Others cited safety concerns for the rapidly growing community as free shooting on BLM land within city limits, leading to at least one instance of stray bullets hitting homes being built in the foothills above Eagle. — Noah Daly july 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026 Air-quality monitoring and pollution-control programs have expanded, but many cities continue to exceed national limits, particularly for particulate matter. — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026 The use of the cameras was approved in 2024, and seven Flock license plate readers were placed on the outskirts of the city limits. — Annette Beard, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for limits

Verb

That is because Quero is battling biceps soreness, which restricts him to DH duties for a couple of weeks.

— Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Placing anything too close to an AC unit restricts airflow, forcing the unit to work harder to release heat and cool your home.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of restricts

Noun

Satellites in certain orbits can receive near-continuous solar exposure, enabling uninterrupted renewable energy generation without many of the atmospheric limitations on Earth.

— Shelli Brunswick, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Aslexandria Holloway didn’t place limitations on her students.

— Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026

Definition of limitations

Noun

Look for a variety of heights and hues depending on the cultivar.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026
At a cost of approximately $8,600 to $23,100 per person (depending on the package), the 2026 edition covers Milan to Barcelona from September 3 through 6 while taking the rally to new heights.

— Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of heights

Verb

Places like Los Angeles and Oakland have high permit fees and strict zoning that often confines cans to industrial areas.

— Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 9 Feb. 2026
In an industry that often confines its actors, especially women and especially Black women, Hall continues to carve a path defined by risk, depth and courage.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 Nov. 2025

Definition of confines

Verb

Over a century later, the Himalayan blackberry has spread far beyond the modest backyard bounds its importers envisioned, opting instead to take over indiscriminately and displace the native trailing blackberry (Rubus ursinus) in the process.

— The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2026
Oprah Winfrey bounds into view in a white dress.

— Jack Lang, New York Times, 9 June 2026

Definition of bounds

Noun

Robb is set to play Smith’s young partner in the film as the two detectives enter the depths of a supermax prison to solve a mysterious murder.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 21 July 2026
Besides the currents and the depths, people can catch a foot between the rocks, snag their clothes on a branch or lose their balance on slippery algae.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026

Definition of depths

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limitlessness

limits

limn

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Style

“Limits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limits. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of limits

verb

noun

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